National Water Conservation Tour Readies Mayors for Earth Month Challenge

Tuesday, March 05, 2013

National Water Conservation Tour Readies Mayors for Earth Month Challenge12:00 EST Tuesday, March 05, 2013U.S. Cities Gear Up to Compete in Water-Wise Challenge during AprilTORRANCE, Calif., March 5, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Organizers of the upcoming National Mayor's Challenge for Water Conservation (www.mywaterpledge.com) are embarking on an eight-state U.S. educational tour March 5 - April 16 to teach how water conservation and recycling are some of the best solutions for a sustainable future.The centerpiece of the tour is the Wyland Clean Water Mobile Learning Experience, a 1,000-square foot interactive exhibit on wheels to demonstrate the many ways water shapes lives. The traveling exhibit uses interactive models ? from an onboard running river to a 40-person theater with computer-controlled special effects ? to explore our nation's complex relationship with its water resources. The tour will stop at schools and community events in the Midwest, Northeast, South and West. Tour schedule:March 5: Houston March 8: San Antonio March 14: Atlanta March 20: New York March 26: Detroit March 29: Chicago April 5: Denver April 10: Phoenix April 12: Tucson, Ariz. April 16: Los Angeles/Orange CountyPresented nationally by the Wyland Foundation and Toyota, with support from the National League of Cities, CH2M Hill WaterMatch, Rain Bird Corporation, Lowe's home improvement stores, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the U.S. Forest Service, the tour will prepare residents for the National Mayor's Challenge for Water Conservation. The nonprofit competition runs April 1 - 30 and challenges city leaders to inspire their residents to make online pledges to reduce water and energy usage. Cities with the highest percentage of residents who take the challenge are entered in drawings for hundreds of environmentally friendly prizes, including a Toyota Prius c, water-saving fixtures and gift certificates to Lowe's stores."The Mayor's Challenge encourages everyone to become smarter around their water usage," said environmental artist Wyland. "This cross-country educational tour allows us to share that message at schools, community centers and festivals."For the first time, mayors and elected officials who participate in the challenge can earn additional prizes for their residents if their cities win. A second prize drawing for a $1,000 Lowe's shopping spree will be held among all participants, regardless if a city is among the six winning cities. Last year, residents who participated in the challenge pledged to reduce their water use by 4.7 billion gallons.To learn more about the tour or the challenge, visit www.mywaterpledge.com.About the Wyland FoundationFounded in 1993 by environmental artist Wyland (best known for his series of 100 monumental marine life murals), the Wyland Foundation, a 501c3 non-profit organization, is actively engaged in teaching millions of students around the county about our ocean, rivers, lakes streams, and wetlands. The foundation's latest project, FOCUS (Forests, Oceans, Climate ? and us) brings together the U.S. Forest Service, NOAA, and numerous non-profits to teach young people about the future of our water supplies, climate, and global health. www.wylandfoundation.org About ToyotaToyota established operations in the United States in 1957 and currently operates 10 manufacturing plants and has a network of nearly 1,500 dealerships. Toyota directly employs over 30,000 in the U.S. and its investment here is currently valued at more than $18 billion. Toyota is committed to being a good corporate citizen and believes in supporting programs with long-term sustainable results ? focusing on education, the environment and safety. Since 1991, Toyota has contributed more than $600 million dollars to philanthropic programs in the U.S. www.toyotainaction.com/community Media Contact: Rebecca Lee GolinHarris for Toyota(213) 438-8827 rlee@golinharris.com Wyland Foundation Contact:Steve Creech(949) 436-2489steve.creech@wylandfoundation.orgSOURCE Wyland Foundation; Toyota

Restrictions

All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Thomson Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is prohibited without the prior written consent of Thomson Reuters. Thomson Reuters is not liable for any errors or delays in Thomson Reuters content, or for any actions taken in reliance on such content. ‘Thomson Reuters’ and the Thomson Reuters logo are trademarks of Thomson Reuters and its affiliated companies.